[*Local chapter formation is still welcome during this period. However, affiliations with existing organizations outside the SSS will not be considered formally until new procedures are approved. After discussion at the annual GAMM meeting, a motion of the Executive on July 4, 2022, suspended affiliations and launched a review of the affiliate process, for presentation and action at the annual GAMM for 2023. Please contact us about local chapter formation at membershipsocialiststudies@gmail.com.]
The Society welcomes a broad range of socialist and emancipatory left initiatives, unaffiliated to political parties, to seek chapter or affiliate status with us. In order to ensure that both sides understand and share one another’s basic goals in the spirit of solidarity and ally-ship.
Please complete the application form here and submit to the Membership Secretary (membershipsocialiststudies@gmail.com) and CC the Secretary of the Society (societyforsocialiststudies@gmail.com).
What is a Chapter?
A Chapter is defined as a newly created group that seeks to foster socialist or emancipatory left comradery by way of sharing a geographic location or a common interest within the broader landscape of socialist thought.
What is an Affiliate Group?
An Affiliate is defined as a previously-existing organization that seeks to bolster its socialist or emancipatory left base through official affiliation with the Society for Socialist Studies.
What should I apply as?
The primary difference between a Chapter and an Affiliate is whether the group/organization is pre-existing prior to achieving this status. If you are looking to create a group of like-minded members of the Society for fostering comradery either geographically (for example, a Toronto Chapter of the Society) or common interest (for example, a Marxist Reading Chapter of the Society), then you would apply as a Chapter. If you are a pre-existing organization seeking to bolster your base, you would apply as an Affiliate.
What are the benefits of being a Chapter or Affiliate?
It is the hope of the Society that fostering the creation of Chapters and the affiliation with outside organizations, that we can grow a cross-Canada network of socialist and emancipatory left organizations and individuals. A prime benefit is that the Society will help advertise for your events. We also encourage Chapters and Affiliates to participate in our annual conference and our journal.
Who can I ask additional questions to?
For any questions related to the Chapters and Affiliates initiative or membership more broadly, you can email the current Membership Secretary at membershipsocialiststudies@gmail.com.